Registration Procedure FAQ
(effective Fall'06 semester)
Why is there a new registration procedure?
After reviewing our current procedure, discussing procedures with other community music schools across the country and receiving your feedback, we felt it was a time for a change. The new procedure allows us to better serve our families because it streamlines the registration, scheduling and billing process.
How many weeks are in each semester?
Our Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks each with at least 1 week at the end of each semester for make-up lessons. Our Summer semester is 8 weeks long. The Music School follows the same calendar of the Providence public schools' vacations and holidays are already taken into account when you register for 16 weeks each semester.
What if we can't do all 16 weeks of lessons?
All students are expected to commit to a 16 week semester unless their instructor has granted permission to register for less than 16 weeks. If the instructor agrees to less than 16 weeks, a consent form must be completed and submitted to the registrar. To complete the consent form, you must document all the dates that you will be absent and the teacher must sign the form. Without a signed consent form, you will be billed for the 16 weeks each semester and any absences will not be credited or refunded.
If my child misses a lesson, will it be made up?
Our Fall and Spring semesters are followed by at least one week for make-up lessons. Each student is allowed one excused absence per semester that may be made-up. In most cases they are scheduled during make-up weeks at the regular lesson day and time. If a student misses an appointed make-up lesson, it is considered unexcused and will not be credited.
What if the teacher cancels a lesson or the school closes due to inclement weather?
Our instructors will attempt to reschedule lesson they must cancel or make them up at the end of the semester. If teacher cancellations or school closings cannot be made up, the tuition will be credited to the student's account.
When will I know my child's scheduled lesson day, time and teacher?
Confirmations will be mailed prior to the beginning of the semester. Please do not bring your child to your requested timeslot without receiving a confirmation that he/she has been scheduled and deposit has been received.
What if our schedule changes in the middle of the semester?
When you enroll for music lessons, you are committed to a timeslot. If your schedule changes, we will attempt to rearrange the instructor's schedule, but can't guarantee it. Many of our instructors' schedules are completely booked and may not be able to switch after the semester has begun. We will not issue refunds if your child cannot continue at his/her scheduled lesson time.
What if my child joins a sports team and it conflicts with his/her lesson timeslot?
The Music School applauds children that are active in sports, clubs and other valuable after-school activities. However, music instruction is a long-term commitment and a disruption in the weekly routine of lessons and practice may affect your child's progress. Again, we will try to rearrange the instructor's schedule, but can't guarantee it.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
We award partial scholarships for any family with financial need. We also have a work study program for families willing to offer their expertise with a variety of clerical or special activities. Click here for more information on applying for Financial Aid.
When will I have to pay the tuition? Can I pay in installments?
Students will be billed in September for the Fall semester and in January for the Spring semester. You may pay for the full semester tuition up front or opt for a payment plan. We offer payment plan of up to three installments. A $10.00 fee for credit cards (credit card will automatically be charged each installment) or a $15.00 fee for cash/check payments per semester will be added to the account.